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View synonyms for detect

detect

[ dih-tekt ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to discover or catch (a person) in the performance of some act:

    to detect someone cheating.

  2. to discover the existence of:

    to detect the odor of gas.

  3. to find out the true character or activity of:

    to detect a spy.

  4. Telecommunications.
    1. to rectify alternating signal currents in a radio receiver.
    2. to demodulate.


detect

/ dɪˈtɛkt /

verb

  1. to perceive or notice

    to detect a note of sarcasm

  2. to discover the existence or presence of (esp something likely to elude observation)

    to detect alcohol in the blood

  3. to extract information from (an electromagnetic wave)
  4. obsolete.
    to reveal or expose (a crime, criminal, etc)
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • deˈtecter, noun
  • deˈtectable, adjective
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Other Words From

  • de·tecta·ble de·tecti·ble adjective
  • de·tecta·bili·ty de·tecti·bili·ty noun
  • prede·tect verb (used with object)
  • unde·tecta·ble adjective
  • unde·tecta·bly adverb
  • unde·tected adjective
  • unde·tecti·ble adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of detect1

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin dētēctus “discovered,” past participle of dētegere “to uncover, discover,” from dē- de- + tegere “to cover”; thatch
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Word History and Origins

Origin of detect1

C15: from Latin dētectus uncovered, from dētegere to uncover, from de- + tegere to cover
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Example Sentences

Often referred to as our "lizard brain," the amygdala typically is associated with detecting threats and processing fear.

Current monitoring methods depend on visual surveys by scientists, which often fail to detect invasive constrictors because they're elusive and cryptic.

Known to disrupt hormones and persist in the environment, these pollutants have been detected in water, soil, air, food products, animals, human tissues, and even breast milk.

Last week, news broke that five new cases of H5N1 flu were detected in California, as well as a case in a child that had no exposure to farm animals.

From Salon

According to the complaint, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory first detected gas being emitted by the station in September 2017 and notified the utility.

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When To Use

What are other ways to say detect?

To detect is to discover something hidden or unknown. When should you use detect over learn, discover, or ascertain? Find out on Thesaurus.com

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